View this article online: https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/international/2010/12/07/115449.htm
Aon Risk Solutions, Aon’s global risk management division, announced that it has developed an insurance policy that provides a greater level of protection than has previously been available from the insurance market to protect restaurants from threats to their reputation. Aon noted that in many cases “restaurants can either thrive or perish purely based on their reputation.
“Traditional restaurant protection policies provide insurance cover for restaurant franchisors and chains if national, regional or online media report an actual or alleged case of food contamination or tampering.” Aon said its expanded coverage “provides this traditional protection, as well as offering cover for ‘public health scares’ that may occur.
“Aon’s Restaurant Contamination Insurance provides cover even in the absence of an alleged or actual contamination or tampering. For example, if an article appears in the media suggesting the ingredients in a chain or franchise’s food are not healthy for consumers and could lead to health problems.
“The policy is designed to provide financial payments to cover loss of profit or to mount a counter-PR and marketing campaign in such circumstances.
“Similarly, should any violence, hostage or hijack situation occur at the restaurant involving either staff or customers, Aon’s Restaurant Contamination Insurance can also provide compensation for loss of profits and media relations costs under its exclusive Insured Security Crisis endorsement.”
Aon also noted that the policy provides “pre-incident planning to determine the risks a company faces and develop detailed crisis management plans to ensure companies can swiftly react to incidents and reassure stakeholders of their commitment to rectifying safety standards and minimizing consumers’ exposure to contaminated products should a contamination occur.”
Christof Bentele, global managing director of Aon’s product recall and contamination team, commented: “There are very few industries where reputation is as vital as the restaurant industry. Businesses operating in this industry and in a world where news can spread across the globe almost instantaneously are telling us that they are looking for a way to protect their brand, which they rely upon in a crowded market.
“While it is not yet possible to insure the intangible value of a brand, Restaurant Contamination Insurance gives chains and franchises the assurance that if a contamination does occur they have the plans in place to deal with it from a risk management perspective, and the funds available to fight any media attention that may ensue.
“Restaurant Contamination Insurance is the latest innovation from Aon’s product recall and contamination team, developed after extensive consultation with clients and industry, and the next 12 months will see further developments in this field.”
Source: Aon